Did ATWT Have A Chance? Was This The Plan All Along?

From the timing of today's announcement that AS THE WORLD TURNS would be canceled, it sure seems like the soap never had a chance. When GUIDING LIGHT was axed, CBS was looking at multiple game show pilots. $100,000 PYRAMID was a prime candidate to replace GL but it wasn't ready. Did CBS really make the decision to can ATWT way back then?

The show has improved creatively and obviously that wasn't a factor in the decision. And the annoucement was made so early that ATWT was never given more time to improve ratings. So it seems like CBS was just biding time to get their replacement show or shows ready. Despite what anyone says formally, it all seems like a done deal to me. What do you think?

I thought the handwriting was on the wall when GL was cancelled. They probably just didn't want to deal with the fallout from two fan favorites at the same time. Wasn't the word on the street that it might not make it past 2009? Gee, can't wait for the umpteenth rehash of Pyramid.

I think you're right, Roger. CBS probably wanted to wait until after November sweeps were done so they could get an accurate reading of what ATWT was doing and how Let's Make a Deal did during it's first Sweeps. That would give them enough to make a model that "proved" their theory that they make more money off a game show, and it's all about the bottom line to them.

Of course, Telenext is spinning already with the "we're trying to find another home for ATWT" line, but we all remember how that turned out with GL.

How is lets make a deal doing? I havent seen there ratings. Its all about money of course, but they do need to look at long lasting appeal. How long until they change gameshows due to low viewership I don't think LMAD or whatever they replace ATWT with will be the hit that Millionaire, Price is right, or even deal or no deal is.

I agree with all the comments here. P & G/Telenext will make the "claim" that they want to continue with ATWT, but believe me - they want out.

I can't help but think of my grandparents who used to watch GL and ATWT loyally since the beginning (and who got me hooked on both!). My grandmother passed away in 2000, and my grandfather in 2003. I can't imagine what they would think about this...so very sad.